THE GAZETTE
Wednesday, January 29, 2014 g
Page A-5
Former PTA leader making bid for school board Candidate pulls out Would focus on career education, achievement gaps n
BY
LINDSAY A. POWERS STAFF WRITER
Until last week, Shebra Evans was vice president of educational issues for the Montgomery County Council of Parent-Teacher Associations. She said she quit so she could run for an at-large seat on the county’s school board. Evans — a Silver Spring resident with two daughters in Montgomery County Public Schools — said she can make a difference because of the relationships she has developed at the local, county and state levels through her work in her community, education advocacy and the energy and cable industries. A member of the county PTA council since 2011, Evans has held several roles, including vice president of programs and her first position, recording secretary. Evans, 42, said that, if elected, she would bring her leadership skills, understanding of the school community’s
PHOTO FROM SHEBRA EVANS
Shebra Evans of Silver Spring, a former leader in the Montgomery County Council of Parent-Teacher Associations, is running for an atlarge position on the county school board.
needs and ability to comfortably engage and speak with people. The school board role, she said, would be a natural fit. “It always seems to come back to children,” she said. “That’s definitely where my passion is.”
As of Tuesday, she was the only non-incumbent running for a board position. School board District 1 representative Judy Docca, District 3 Representative Patricia O’Neill and District 5 Representative Michael Durso are all running to keep their respective seats. The board includes five district seats and two at-large seats. Only districts 1, 3 and 5 are up for election this year. Voters countywide are eligible to cast ballots for school board races. The primary election falls on June 24 and the general election on Nov. 4. On Friday, Evans said she was working toward a fundraising goal of $6,000 to $10,000 in the next 30 days to fuel her campaign. Evans said that as a board member, she would draw more awareness to career education. The school system offers opportunities to gain job skills — such as the vocational programs at Thomas Edison High School of Technology in Silver Spring — that can help students interested in going directly from high school to the work force, she said. Evans said she would expand those opportunities and
get businesses involved to help students. With the school system facing ongoing achievement gaps, she said, she would direct more resources to new efforts and existing intiatives. She said she thinks more resources would be well spent on the school system’s Innovation Schools Network to improve student performance and the system’s current Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success program that helps high school students prepare for and get into college. Her time on the school board, she said, also would focus on increasing parent engagement and helping them understand how they can get involved. Evans said the school board has done well in its advocacy for capital funds from the county and state to help address the school system’s capacity issues. “I think they’re doing a good job in telling the story about the school system and what the needs are,” she said. Evans said the current board works hard, but is often not visible to the public. “I would definitely give them an A for effort,” she said. lpowers@gazette.net
Van Hollen endorses Leggett for county executive Congressman praises Montgomery executive for work keeping jobs and funding transportation, schools
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BY
RYAN MARSHALL STAFF WRITER
Rep. Christopher Van Hollen Jr. (D-Dist. 8) of Kensington has endorsed Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett in his race for re-election. Leggett is seeking a third term as county executive, and is being challenged by former County Executive Douglas M. Duncan and Councilman Philip M. Andrews (D-Dist. 3) of Gaithersburg for the Democratic nomination.
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Duncan served as county executive from 1994 through 2006, while Andrews has been on the council since 1998. Van Hollen sent out a letter praising Leggett for his work in keeping federal jobs in the county and dedication to causes such as affordable housing and the environment. “As we move into the future, Montgomery County continues to need a visionary and principled leader who can deliver results,” Van Hollen wrote. “Our county executive, Ike Leggett, has demonstrated that, time and again, he is that leader.” The letter carried an authority line from Van Hollen’s congressional campaign. Leggett said he was “very appreciative” of the endorsement. Leggett said Thursday that Van Hollen had indicated some time before the holidays
that he would likely endorse Leggett. Leggett said he and Van Hollen have a strong relationship and have worked together on a number of projects for the county, including bringing Walter Reed Medical Center to Bethesda and the downcounty Purple Line project. But they’ve also worked on less highprofile programs such as increasing the number of federal government housing vouchers for veterans in the county, Leggett said. He praised Van Hollen’s “extraordinary level of commitment” to Montgomery County despite his senior leadership positions among the Democratic minority in the House of Representatives. rmarshall@gazette.net
of 6th District race Vogt may run for ‘more local office’
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BY
KATE S. ALEXANDER STAFF WRITER
Republican David Vogt has bowed out of the race for the 6th Congressional District, likely creating an uncontested Republican primary in June. Vogt, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, announced his withdrawal Tuesday. His campaign said he is instead considering a run for a “more local office.” A resident of Brunswick in Frederick County, Vogt was the only candidate in the congressional race that actually lived in District 6. Daniel Bongino (R), also running, lives in Severna Park in Anne Arundel County and incumbent U.S. Rep. John K. Delaney (D) lives in Potomac. Both Severna Park and Potomac are outside the 6th District boundaries. Vogt’s exodus from the race leaves, at present, an uncontested primary for Bongino. Candidates have until Feb. 25 to file for election in Maryland. If Vogt does seek a local office, Maryland Republican Party Chairwoman Diana Waterman said that allows the party a chance to gain more ground in the 2014 election. “We certainly don’t discourage primaries,” she said. “But it is nice if you do not have to fight a primary as well as general battle. Now we put all of our efforts behind getting Dan elected in the general election.” Vogt said in a press release his decision to withdraw from the race came after spending time in talks with friends, family and supporters. “I will continue to offer my fervent support of returning statesmanship to our district, state and country regardless
of candidacy,” he was quoted saying in the release. At this time, Vogt does not have any concrete plans for running locally, but will make an announcement once he has spoken to area leaders and evaluated his options, spokesman Cam Harris said in an email. Vogt wished Bongino “the best of luck in his fight to restore conservative principles to Western Maryland.” “In some respects it’s sad to see him go,” Bongino said. “From a practical component, it makes it easier to not fight on two fronts.” N o w Vogt looking toward the general election in November, Bongino said his campaign is poised to take back the District 6 seat for the Republican party. Delaney (D) of Potomac won the seat in 2012 by defeating longtime GOP Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett, thanks in part to Maryland’s latest round of redistricting drawing more Montgomery County voters into the district. Delaney said Tuesday in a statement that he expects to seek re-election despite a push for him to enter the race for Maryland’s governor. “Many people I trust and respect have asked me to consider running for governor and of course I always think about where I may best serve,” Delaney said. “But I love my job and my expectation is that I will continue to serve in Congress and represent my district.” Maryland will hold its general election on Nov. 4. kalexander@gazette.net